In the new Wikimetal poll, Metallica's Black Album was voted the best-produced metal album, with 41% of the votes. Slayer's Reign In Blood Sepultura's Chaos AD
The production of Metallica's self-titled album was handled by Canadian Bob Rock, whom the band had heard of for his work with Mötley Crüe on Dr. Feelgood . In interviews after working with the band, Rock revealed that he had hoped the relationship would be easier, and that the recording of the Black Album involved frequent and heated arguments between him and the band.
Despite the conflicts, Rock continued producing for the band until the 2003 album, St. Anger . After the release of this album, a petition was started among fans to end the partnership, arguing that Rock had too strong an influence on the band's sound and musical direction.
Released on August 12, 1991, the Black Album became one of the best-selling albums of all time, with an impressive record of over 25 million copies sold. Even more remarkable, the album currently sells approximately 5,000 copies per week.
The album, still considered controversial for launching Metallica's career into a more commercial era, was acclaimed in various publications, ranking 252nd on Rolling Stone's list of the best albums of all time. The British magazine Q says that the Black Album "transformed Metallica from cult metal heroes into global stars, bringing a refinement to their undeniable power .
